Enjoy eight stunning nights exploring some of the most spectacular scenery the South Island has to offer.
Cruising in the remote southwest of Fiordland is a unique combination of adventure, history, natural beauty and good company.
Join us on the ultimate voyage of discovery on an exploration of 5 of New Zealand’s remote fiords; Chalky and Preservation Inlets as well as the stunning Doubtful, Dusky and Breaksea Sounds.
Preservation and Chalky inlets offer remote wind-swept coastlines and grand sweeping beaches. In the past, the natural harbours in this area attracted early whalers and miners. Only a few traces of their attempts to tame the landscape still remain. You’ll experience the extreme isolation of this inspirational wilderness, its beauty, wildlife and fascinating history.
From aboard the purpose-built Milford Wanderer you will trace the route Captain Cook took during his historic 1773 voyage to seek out the hypothetical Terra Australis. During your cruise, you will land on beautiful beaches and spend time exploring the coastline via tender craft and kayak.
One of our most popular tours for a reason, with limited numbers to ensure the ultimate experience.
Depart Whanganui racecourse at 9am and travel to Levin for some freshly baked morning tea. From here travel into Wellington airport in time to catch our 2pm flight to Queenstown. After we have collected our luggage, we are transferred to our superb lakeside accommodation. You have a few hours free time to stroll the botanical gardens or look around the town before meeting back for dinner. Your guide will talk to you to run over what to expect for the week ahead before retreating for the evening.
After we have collected our luggage we are transported to our accommodation, Novotel Queenstown. You have a few hours of free time to explore the town before meeting back for dinner. Your guide will talk through the program for the week ahead.
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau
Please note this is a general guide only, all itineraries are subject to change based on weather conditions and crew judgement. In addition to below, there is also lots of cruising, and extra kayaking or walking where time allows!
A relaxed start to the day and after a scrumptious breakfast we are collected from the hotel and transported to Manapouri.
Here we board our cruise from Real Journeys Manapouri Visitor Centre to the West Arm of Lake Manapouri. Then travel by Helicopter to Weka Island Barge to board the Milford Wanderer and cruise to Preservation Inlet.
You will be told about the vessel and meet the crew while you enjoy your first scrumptious meal.
Accommodation: The Milford Wanderer
After breakfast, the exploring will start as we visit the town site of Cromarty and the mining relics of Te Oneroa, with the option of a five kilometre return walk to Puysegur Point Light House in the afternoon.
Accommodation: The Milford Wanderer
Visit Tarawera Smelter’s reclining brick chimney and the site of one of New Zealand’s first operational whaling stations at Cuttle Cove. Take in the golden beaches of Spit Island. Cruise to Chalky Inlet, anchoring at North Port near the rusting hulk of the 1800's government steamship “Stella”.
Accommodation: The Milford Wanderer
Walk on the beach at South Port visiting the old sawmill site. Approximately a three-hour sea passage to Dusky Sound. Visit Pickersgill Harbour and Astronomer's Point – named and used by Cook during his five week stay in 1773.
Accommodation: The Milford Wanderer
Today we explore Dusky Sound, starting the day with a visit to early conservationist Richard Henry’s house site on Pigeon Island. Cruise Facile Harbour, site of New Zealand’s first known European ship wreck. Cruise through Earshell Cove and the narrow channels of Resolution Island to The Basin for a walk or some kayaking.
Accommodation: The Milford Wanderer
This morning we visit Luncheon Cove, the site of New Zealand’s first European sealers settlement. Optional guided walk (2.5km) over predator free Anchor Island. Cruise through Acheron passage to Breaksea Sound and then approximately a three-hour sea passage to Doubtful Sound.
Accommodation: The Milford Wanderer
Cruise Doubtful Sound and enjoy lunch in Hall Arm. Depart the Milford Wanderer in Deep Cove and cross by coach over the stunning Wilmot Pass.
Cruise across Lake Manapouri and catch the coach back to Queenstown.
We arrive back at the stunning 4 star Novotel Lakeside in time for our last group dinner.
Accommodation: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside
A very relaxed start to the day before we are collected from the hotel and taken the scenic route through Arthurs Point and into Arrowtown with photo stops along the way. When in Arrowtown you again will have time to wander this delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. You can choose to walk or bike along the river or visit the Historic Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. You have time to get yourself some lunch before heading out to the airport to catch our 12.20pm flight to Wellington.
The coach will be waiting to transfer you back to Whanganui.
Check out what we got up to last time
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After years in the broadcasting industry, Jase hung up his headphones to run Take It Easy Tours. With now over a decade behind the wheel Jason ensures every tour will leave you with a lifetime of memorable expereinces.
There is limited availability for this tour. Please contact us to find out more.
Having a good night's rest after a day out touring is very important so we personally choose all of our accommodation. Generally, four star accommodation when available - with all the comforts you need for a relaxed night.
Please just let us know in advance and we will sort everything for you. Chefs are used to all sorts now when it comes to diet so as long as we know - we’ll have you covered.
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. It just puts your mind at ease. Remember to make sure you are covered for and loss of personal possessions, sickness, accidents or travel delays. Feel free to ask us for any tips to make this quick and easy for you.
Yes, it would be our pleasure. We can arrange for you to be picked up and returned to your front door at the conclusion of any tour.
Our buses are quality touring coaches that are very comfortable and fully air conditioned. They range in size from 19-28 seats ensuring that we can easily access all those secret spots off the beaten track. All vehicles are regularly serviced as your safety is our priority.
Coaches and luggage trailers are always locked and secure but we recommended you take any valuables with you when staying overnight.
Cancellation charges do apply so again we recommend travel insurance. Our cancellation policy is clearly outlined for each tour so make sure you cast your eye over it and please feel free to ask any questions.
We are called Take it Easy for a reason as we like to do just that. Do as much or as little as you like - after all it's your holiday! However, there is walking and various activities on each tour that require various levels of fitness. Please check with us if you are unsure about anything and relax knowing that there's always another option for you if you would rather miss out on any activity. We always have a back up plan.
Yes, you can earn airpoints with Take It Easy Tours when we are using Air New Zealand flights. All you need to do is get in contact with us and let us know your airpoints number for each time you wish to earn points.
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